Digibind

Digibind

Digibind is indicated for the treatment of potentially life-threatening digoxin intoxication. The manifestations of life-threatening digoxin toxicity include ventricular arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation or profound and progressive bradyarrhythmias not responsive to atropine.

When do you give Digibind?

Specific indications:

Serum digoxin level >15 ng/mL (19.2 nmol/L) at any time, or >10 ng/mL (12.8 nmol/L) 6-hours post-ingestion (independent of symptoms). Acute ingestion >10 mg digoxin in an adult. Acute ingestion >4 mg digoxin in a child.

Is Digibind still on the market?

The Digibind brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be generic equivalents available.

Is Digibind the same as DigiFab?

Although Digibind and DigiFab are equivalent in their digoxin-binding activity, the antigens used to produce these Fabs are different.

How quickly does Digibind work?

Ordinarily, following administration of DIGIBIND (digoxin immune fab) , improvement in signs and symptoms of digitalis intoxication begins within one-half hour or less.

Does Digibind increase digoxin levels?

The total serum digoxin level increased significantly after initiation of Digibind therapy and peaked at 125 ng/mL, but the free serum digoxin level immediately decreased to nontoxic levels immediately after initiation of Fab therapy.

What is the antidote for digoxin?

In the case of severe digoxin intoxication, an antidote digoxin immune Fab (Digibind) is available. Digibind binds and inactivates digoxin.

In which poisoning the Digibind is used as an effective antidote?

Digibind and DigiFab are Fab fragments of antidigoxin antibody used in treating life-threatening acute digoxin overdose. Digibind was the first antidote available for treating digoxin overdose in the United States and was marketed in 1986 by Glaxo Wellcome Company.

What is a normal digoxin level?

Therapeutic levels of digoxin are 0.8-2.0 ng/mL. The toxic level is >2.4 ng/mL.

When do you draw digoxin after Digibind?

At least 6 to 8 hours are required for equilibration of digoxin between serum and tissue, so absorption of the last dose may continue from the intestine. Therefore, serum measurements may be difficult to interpret if samples are drawn soon after the last digitalis dose.

Is digoxin used for angina?

Digoxin is also used to treat heart pain (angina) and may be used after a heart attack. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition. This medication may be prescribed for other uses.

How do you administer Digibind?

Give 5 vials initially if the patient is hemodynamically stable. Give 10 vials initially if the patient is hemodynamically unstable. Repeat doses of 5 ampoules should be given every 30 minutes until reversal of digoxin toxicity is achieved.

What is DigiFab used for?

DigiFab is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of toxicity after Acute Ingestion and toxicity during Chronic Therapy. DigiFab may be used alone or with other medications. DigiFab belongs to a class of drugs called Antidotes, Other.

How fast does DigiFab work?

In a comparative pharmacokinetic study of DIGIFab and Digibind administered in healthy volunteers, DIGIFab rapidly reduced serum free digoxin to undetectable levels within 30 minutes, and serum digoxin levels were reduced to undetectable levels in all subjects.

When do you take digoxin immune fab?

Digoxin immune Fab is indicated for the treatment of life threatening digoxin toxicity in patients with manifestations of severe toxicity. It is NOT indicated for mild cases of digoxin toxicity or in cases of elevated serum digoxin concentrations in the absence of signs and symptoms of digoxin toxicity.

What are the signs and symptoms of digoxin toxicity?

Some early warning signs of overdose are confusion, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or vision problems. Other signs of overdose are changes in the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat (becoming irregular or slow), palpitations (feeling of pounding in the chest), or fainting.

What is a Fab drug?

Digoxin immune fab or digoxin-specific antibody is an antidote for overdose of digoxin. It is made from immunoglobulin fragments from sheep that have already been immunized with a digoxin derivative, digoxindicarboxymethoxylamine (DDMA). Its brand names include Digibind (GlaxoSmithKline) and DigiFab (BTG plc).

Marcus Vance
Author

Marcus Vance

Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.